Texas is on the verge of becoming the second state to implement a comprehensive ban on social media for minors, following Florida. If passed, the Texas legislation will prohibit anyone under 18 from signing up for social media platforms, compelling companies to verify users’ ages and allowing parents to request account deletions within 10 days. Violations would be classified as deceptive trade practices and incur fines.
The bill, which has passed the Texas House and is expected to advance in the Senate, has garnered bipartisan support amid ongoing national debates about social media’s impact on youth mental health. Proponents argue it prioritizes children’s online safety and privacy, while critics, including mental health professionals, warn that blanket age restrictions may not address underlying issues. Dr. Mitch Prinstein of the American Psychological Association emphasizes that simply delaying social media access without educating adolescents may pose greater risks.
Other states have enacted similar legislation, with nine passing significant restrictions in recent years on minors’ social media use, aiming for parental consent or age verification. Yet, these laws face significant legal challenges, rooted in concerns over potential First Amendment violations. Groups like the ACLU argue that such bans cut young people off from vital information.
Social media companies like Meta and TikTok have also taken steps to enhance protection for minors, including implementing usage limits and parental controls. Meanwhile, a bipartisan congressional effort is underway to legislate federal restrictions on underage social media access. As states push forward with these new laws, discussions about the balance between safeguarding children and preserving free speech continue to intensify.
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